Tips for Homeschooling with Toddlers

Homeschooling with toddlers can be an enriching experience but not always easy if you have older ones to contend with. But it is possible to engage and educate young children while having fun using a few simple techniques that we’ve learned to love in our own homeschool routine.

A baby or toddler has been under my roof for over a decade. I adore having little ones around but when it came time to start homeschooling, it took a while to figure out how to work around naptimes, potty training, big feelings, and having a child with special needs. The main thing I want to leave you with is that there is immense grace for you in this place and in this season.

There is no one right way to homeschool.

Read that again.

You are the curator and architect of your home. Feel free to use this list of tips for homeschooling with toddlers like a menu. Take what works and leave what doesn’t!

I like to incorporate these elements into a rhythm every morning. Choose one thing to do from each section and allow their minds to develop and explore in a safe place.

Bonus tip: If you adopt a Charlotte Mason style homeschool philosophy, formal lessons don’t begin until age 6! You have permission to fill the little years with fun!

4 Elements of Homeschooling with Toddlers

1. Hand crafts
   Hand crafts like coloring, painting, or making simple crafts using recycled materials (read: toilet paper rolls) can enhance their fine motor skills and creativity. Our favorites are magnatiles, play doh kits, and DIY sensory bins.
   
2. Snack time
   Snack time can become an opportunity to learn about shapes, colors, and counting and promote healthy eating habits. Amy over at yummytoddlerfood.com has the BEST resources for delicious and nutritious meals the whole family will love.
   
3. Read aloud
   Read aloud sessions foster a love for books and improve language development and listening skills. Not to mention they are FUN. What’s better than snuggling up with your little ones and enjoying classics like Little Bear, Peter Rabbit, Winnie-the-Pooh, and The Brambley Hedge?
   
4. Free Play
   Free play allows toddlers to explore their imagination, develop problem-solving abilities, and enhance social skills. Once their tanks are full from having spent the morning doing rich, brain-stimulating activities, they are much more likely to play well by themselves. Typically, I will focus on 1:1 homeschooling with my older children during this time.

While homeschooling with toddlers may have it’s hard days, it’s important to remember that learning starts from the moment we are born! Adopting a lifelong learning mindset can make the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling for both children and parents. I hope you enjoyed these homeschooling with toddlers tips!